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Sri Lanka's News Portal for Secularism, Humanism, Science and Reason

Friday, February 11, 2011

Tell Congress to Support the Darwin Day Resolution

Tell Congress to Support Darwin Day!

CFI Supports U.S. Rep. Pete Stark’s Darwin Day Resolution

Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) has introduced H. Res. 81, asking for the designation of February 12, 2011, as Darwin Day, to honor the anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birthday and the importance of science and his work.

The first openly atheist member of Congress, Rep. Stark said Darwin’s birthday is a good time to reflect on the importance of science in our society. “It is a time to redouble our efforts to ensure that children are being taught scientific facts, not religious dogma, and to fight back against those who seek to undermine the science of climate change for political ends,” Stark said in a prepared statement.

This Resolution recognizes the importance of science and Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by the mechanism of natural selection. Darwin was an example of human curiosity and ingenuity who provided humanity with a logical and compelling explanation of the diversity of life. His groundbreaking work ushered in an age of scientific discovery that has helped to advance biology and medicine and to improve living conditions across the globe.

“It is important that we support this Resolution during a time when the education system allows an anti-science presence in the classroom,” said Ronald A. Lindsay, president & CEO of the Center for Inquiry (CFI). “CFI stands with Rep. Stark and scientists and teachers throughout the country in recognition of this day and the importance of Darwin.”

This Resolution comes on the heels of a recent The New York Times story reporting that only 28 percent of biology teachers nationwide showcase evidence for evolution, as recommended by the National Research Council, while 13 percent “explicitly advocate” creationism.

We urge you to contact your Congressional Representative and express your support for the designation of February 12, 2011, as Darwin Day, in recognition of Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking work and the importance of teaching his discoveries in our nation’s classrooms.